Familial history of hypertension-induced impairment on heart rate variability was not observed in strength-trained subjects

Abstract

Family history of hypertension is an important predictive factor for hypertension and is associated with hemodynamic and autonomic abnormalities. Previous studies reported that strength training might reduce arterial blood pressure (AP), as well as improve heart rate variability (HRV). However, the benefits of strength training in the offspring of hypertensive parents have not been fully evaluated. Here, we analyzed the impact of strength training on hemodynamics and autonomic parameters in offspring of hypertensive subjects. We performed a cross-sectional study with sedentary or physically active offspring of normotensives (S-ON and A-ON) or hypertensives (S-OH and A-OH). We recorded RR interval for analysis of HRV. AP was similar between groups. Sedentary offspring of hypertensives presented impairment of total variance of RR interval, as well as an increase in cardiac sympathovagal balance (S-OH: 4.2 +/- 0.7 vs S-ON: 2.8 +/- 0.4 and A-ON: 2.4 +/- 0.1). In contrast, the strength-trained group with a family history of hypertension did not show such dysfunctions. In conclusion, sedentary offspring of hypertensives, despite displaying no changes in AP, showed reduced HRV, reinforcing the hypothesis that autonomic dysfunctions have been associated with higher risk of hypertension onset. Our findings demonstrated that strength-trained offspring of hypertensives did not present impaired HRV, thus reinforcing the benefits of an active lifestyle in the prevention of early dysfunctions associated with the onset of hypertension in predisposed populations.